Designing for the Cape Town CBD today is fundamentally different from how we designed as recently as a decade ago, writes dhk Principal Guy Briggs in the Cape Town Central City Improvement District's (CCID) State of Cape Town Central City Report 2025 – A Year in Review.

In January 2026, Nathaniel Wakefield was appointed as dhk Senior Associate. We managed to carve out some time in his schedule to discuss his architectural career, what drew him to dhk, his current role and his interests outside of work.

dhk’s corkscrew basement design for a wedge-shaped site unlocks value for a new commercial office development in Oxford Parks in Rosebank, Johannesburg.

Meet the specialist support roles that keep dhk moving - from studio operations to people and finance - so designers can focus on delivering memorable spaces.

The career of an architect, urban designer and interior designer is rarely a short story. Instead, there are multiple story lines, the occasional plot twist and even a cliffhanger now and then. Every person who works with dhk is a main character.

Clients today demand greater project certainty, coordinated design information and predictable delivery outcomes. These tools exist to meet that need, supporting key decisions at every stage.

dhk Graduate Architect Imaad Kamaldien recently obtained his Master of Architecture from the University of Cape Town (UCT). His journey with the studio began in 2018 through Go for Gold, an education-to employment programme we've been proudly supporting for close to 10 years.

In this article, we unpack the story of how dhk Architects, a studio deeply rooted in South Africa, has grown into an internationally recognised brand.

dhki’s recent collaboration with Rockwell Group on the renowned Nobu restaurant at the five-star One&Only Cape Town hotel situated at the V+A Waterfront showcases dhki’s ability to act as architect of record and effectively collaborate with other designers.

Nhloso Nzimande, a Professional Senior Architectural Technologist, joined our studio nearly 12 years ago. Through his journey with dhk, he has worked in all three of our studios, in Gqeberha (now closed), Cape Town and Johannesburg.

Leading South African architectural studio dhk Architects announced today that it has joined 10N, a collective of expert practices in the fields of urbanism, architecture and design, brought together by Egis Group.

A time-capsule reflection from our Chairman, Derick Henstra, on the studio’s founding principles: leadership continuity, why rigour in our work is important, and why long-term views of the future guide the studio today.

Hospitality design thrives when it anchors guests in place, weaving local art, craft and sensory detail into experiences that inspire comfort, belonging and return journeys beyond the trend-driven algorithm.

The Paradigm is a premium mixed-use residential development on the edge of the Cape Town CBD. Launched in July 2024, this major development is now taking physical shape.

Lisa Bridgeford, Director of dhki, examines how trend-led design has become a default benchmark of success and why context, authenticity and longevity offer greater creative and commercial value

dhk Senior Associates Daphne Nederstigt and Michelle Coetzee attended this year’s Green Building Convention in Cape Town, along with Partner Peter Stokes who took part in a panel discussion on building sustainable neighbourhoods.

We’re proud of our people and believe in celebrating their work. In this Q&A, we’re profiling dhk Professional Senior Architectural Technologist Lucienne Myburgh, who has been with the studio for 10 years.

At the prestigious 2025 Cape Institute of Architecture (CIfA) Awards for Architecture, The Rubik, delivered by dhk Architects for Abland Property Developers, received a Commendation.

On 1 October 2025, Longkloof Precinct, delivered by dhk Architects for Growthpoint Properties, won a Cape Institute of Architecture (CIfA) award at a ceremony held in Cape Town to recognise excellence in architecture.

Designed for Tricolt, One Rosebank is a mixed-use development located in Rosebank, one of Johannesburg's most desirable commercial, cultural and residential hubs. One Rosebank is a true collaboration between dhk and dhki’s design teams.

The parallel journeys of dhk and Cape Town CBD demonstrate how thoughtful architecture, urban planning and precinct management can transform a city's fortunes.

2015 represented a year of convergence between progress in the CBD and the studio’s own evolution.

The first project following the merger was the Mediterranean Shipping Co. Building. Completed in 2001, it remains a highly visible landmark in the Foreshore.

dhk's history in the Cape Town CBD predates the merger. Buildings designed by the two original studios are scattered throughout the city centre, including along trendy Bree Street and neighbouring Long Street.

As the city’s fortunes have evolved, so too has the skyline. And, as we look back through time from then to now, we see our own evolution as a multidisciplinary studio deeply embedded in the city's fabric.

dhk Architects was awarded two wins at the Africa Property Investment Awards in a ceremony held in Cape Town last night.

The AZA2025 conference in Johannesburg revealed a profession at a crossroads, wrestling with tradition, disruption and an expanding definition of architectural practice. Three central themes emerged from under the umbrella of Architecture Meets Us/Planet/Future.

The history of the commemoration of Women’s Day is a vital reminder of how important women’s voices are in driving change. But we also agree that women’s contribution to our business, industry and society needs to be acknowledged, recognised, celebrated and exposed on every day of the year.

In this article, we're profiling Associate Sarah Tarr, who has been with the studio for 10 years. We asked her about her work and her journey over the past decade. 

In an era where architectural concepts need to leap from blueprint to reality with precision, dhk Architects' 3D Visualisation team has become an indispensable force in creating visions that showcases the building before a single brick is laid. At the helm of this specialised team is the Head of Architectural Visualisation, Pieter Van Der Bijl, a seasoned professional with 22 years at dhk.

Themed ‘Recalibrating the Development Conversation, the 2025 edition of the Western Cape Property Development Forum (WCPDF) conference highlighted the province's rapid growth trajectory and the critical infrastructure and regulatory challenges that must be addressed to sustain development.

In May, dhk Architects attended the 12th annual East Africa Property Investment (EAPI) Summit held in Nairobi, Kenya. dhk Partner Peter Stokes and Senior Interior Designer Kgalalelo Mosime from our sister company dhk Interior Design represented dhk at the event.

dhk Architects welcomed seven students and three faculty members from the Norman Foster Institute to its Cape Town studio to engage and share insights into architecture and urban design.

Presented since 2010, the AZA2025 urban festival returns to unite international and local architects, cultural producers, thought leaders, academics and students in the built environment to exchange and discover innovative, alternative and future approaches to design and development.

Between January and April this year, dhk Architects announced ten promotions, strengthening the senior leadership team and reflecting our strategy of expansion within the studio. Professional Architect Christiaan Van Aswegen is one of the newly promoted team members.

At the forefront of our digital transformation journey is our skilled building information modelling (BIM) team.

dhk Architects has promoted seven team members to its leadership team as the studio continues to extend its footprint locally and internationally.

dhk Interior Design (dhki) is a leading interior architecture and design firm based in Cape Town, South Africa.

As well as steering a busy team, Leigh leads the practice’s strategic HR direction.

dhk Architects has appointed experienced communications professional Hilary Alexander as Head of Communications, with a mandate to steer the practice’s strategic communications and support the senior leadership team.

dhk Architects has shaped the Cape Town skyline over the past 26 years.

This year’s event kicks off in Joburg from 10-13 October, followed by a Cape Town edition from 24-27 October.

The hospitality industry is undergoing a seismic shift. Today’s travellers are no longer satisfied with cookie-cutter accommodation.

Contemporary design preserves a historical landmark at Battery Park

dhk Candidate Architect Ismaeel Davids is currently in Madrid pursuing a Master’s Degree programme at the Norman Foster Institute Programme on Sustainable Cities. We’ve been following his journey closely since he left eight months ago, despite the distance.

She’s been with dhk since 2018, having initially enrolled in a year-long internship through the Go for Gold learnership programme. Her journey exemplifies the programme’s value in providing committed students a pathway to realise their full potential.

Shaping the built environment and advocating for sustainable practices

What’s happening in mixed-use developments, according to the East Africa Property Investment Summit

interviewed by tony korsten, publisher for asset magazine + written by ana lorton

What’s an architect’s responsibility in preserving heritage?

dhk partner and executive director Guy Briggs suggests that there are nine key social, spatial development and environmental trends influencing the design of spaces people live in.

This question was top of mind for dhk Candidate Architect Ismaeel Davids as he journeyed to Madrid in January 2024.

Pedestrians are heroes – or at least they should be

The Urban Design Institute of South Africa (UDISA) counts only 150 practitioners formally registered in the country – of which two are part of the dhk team.

“We’re trying to create vibrant and inclusive spaces, whether they’re public or privately owned, to make people’s lives better and improving life in any environment."

Working in a profession she loves, with people she loves to work with.

From soap dishes to superpowers

Experienced architect Martin Lardner-Burke has been appointed as a partner of dhk Architects, bolstering the leadership team as the practice continues to expand its project portfolio locally and abroad.

Once complete, the sizable 45,000m2 precinct will include 600 brand-new apartments and other amenities such as leisure and lap pools, verdant gardens, and ‘The Luna Club’.

Once complete, the sizable 45,000m2 precinct will include 600 brand-new apartments and other amenities such as leisure and lap pools, verdant gardens, and ‘The Luna Club’.

35 Lower Long, an elegant 86-metre glass-clad office tower, has recently been completed which will invigorate Cape Town’s emerging financial and hospitality district.

a heritage building situated along popular Kloof Street in Cape Town, has undergone a metamorphosis.

Capitec Bank, one of the largest and most progressive banks in Africa, has unveiled its innovative new headquarters, iKhaya, meaning ‘home’ in Xhosa.

South Africa’s first, fully integrated, mixed-income, mixed-use development, aimed at reversing apartheid spatial planning and located near Cape Town’s CBD, has been launched for sale to the public

Nestled in the Stellenbosch Valley, the contemporary Cape architecture blends effortlessly with lavish interiors.

written by Jonathan Dyble for Africa Outlook

dhk has announced that it has appointed a new partner, Leigh Bishop. She will also be joining the board of directors, thus expanding the leadership team.

'With each project comes a myriad of factors to consider. I find my job is constantly about the challenge of balancing conceptual narratives with hard realities’

dhk has completed an apartment block conceived as a monolith with indentations and cut-outs

Situated at the southern edge of the blossoming Bridgeways Precinct, it boasts unobstructed panoramic views of Table Mountain

The Norval family who are the founders and initial funders of Norval Foundation envisioned a world-class art museum in an exceptional location that would be accessible to the general public.

Architecture firm, dhk, has unveiled its design for a new residential development comprising four elliptical towers of differing heights

in addition to steering the ship, Renske leads the company’s team that focuses on private residences, boutique hotels and galleries.

The position was awarded to the 12 000m² park located at a key gateway to the V&A Waterfront, Cape Town.

Purchase the book from the giftshop The book details the concept, construction and curation of the project and includes a special foreword and introduction from dhk’s executive chairman Derick Henstra.

dhk scooped four awards in the international A’ Design Award & Competition

Perched on top of a two-storey parking podium, the complex will overlook the city’s lush canopy.

The World Architecture 100 is BD’s compendium of the world’s biggest architectural studios.

Developed as the nucleus of a larger urban vision for the district, the site includes a park and piazza that effectively conceal a 1 206-bay parking facility as well as new pedestrian routes to invigorate the precinct with activity.

“We’re delighted that the Drostdy Hotel has been recognised by the Institute. It was a significant project in terms of its rich heritage and required sensitive restoration..."

Situated on the urban edge of Port Elizabeth opened its doors to the public today. It is the largest retail development in the Eastern Cape with over 250 shops over two levels that will cater for an estimated 800 000 visitors a month.

Two projects by dhk architects received Innovation Excellence Awards at the SAPOA Convention yesterday afternoon.

The Bridge Park office development has been awarded a 5-Star Green Star SA Office v1 Design rating by the Green Building Council of South Africa

confirming its position as the most sustainable tall building in South Africa. The project had already achieved a 5 Star GSSA Design rating, and this new certification confirms that all criteria were achieved on completion of the building.

Senior Associate, Sarah Patterson speaks to Architect + Builder about new trends, the impact of architecture and designing for local needs in education